Category Archives: activities

With bunnies, eggs, baskets, candy, it’s easy for the true reason we celebrate Easter to get lost. Here are some easy crafts you can do with your child and then continue to use to explain the resurrection of Jesus and His incredible love for each one of us!

Write one letter of EASTER on each egg. (E on the first egg, A on the second egg, etc.)

Fill each egg with the cooresponding symbol to tell the Resurrection Story (see image)

Optional: make a crafty display for your eggs. (One suggestion, like what Suzanne showed at the meeting: take a block of wood, drill 6 holes, attach green pipe cleaner to each egg, stick eggs in the holes in the wood.)

This year we were blessed to have 4 experienced moms share their family Christmas traditions with us. They shared some educational traditions, some easy traditions, and even some tradition fails! Above all, they each reminded us to give ourselves grace. Don’t stress. The best traditions are simple and short, especially if you want to keep your littles’ attention. Here’s a quick overview of the traditions they shared and a few extras, too. Take a moment and share your favorite traditions with us on Facebook!

Family Advent Wreath: A wreath with 5 candles. One for each of the 4 Sundays before Christmas and then one for Christmas Day. Maybe keep it on the kitchen table or dining room table. Here is an example of one family’s Advent Wreath from the Houston Moms Blog. Age to start: 1 or 2 years old.

One Day Traditions #onedaytradition

On Christmas morning, talk about the reason we get/give gifts. Gifts symbolize God’s greatest gift – Jesus and how he leads us to eternal life. Have each child pick one gift that they receive and unwrap on Christmas morning, to give to a family in need. This gives you the opportunity to explain to children that we don’t just give away our leftover, used toys that we don’t want anymore, but also our new and highly-desired toys, because God doesn’t give us His leftover blessings – He gives us His best; He gave us His only son. Age to start: 3 or 4 years old.

Simple Traditions that Your Kids Will Remember #keepitsimple

Decorating the Christmas Tree on a specific day (like Saturday after Thanksgiving). Any age!

Prophecy envelopes: make 25 envelopes, each holding a piece of paper that has an Old Testament prophecy on one side and the New Testament fulfillment on the other side. Then make your family sit and listen to one each day! What could go wrong? (Apparently this only lasted one year!)

Christmas Nail: Making a Christmas ornament out of a really big nail, like the one that would have been used to crucify Jesus, and linking Christmas to the crucifixion. A little intense, but true. Maybe for older kids?!? One of our 4 experienced-mom speakers, Carrie Runn, said her own daughter called this a tradition fail. But she remembered it, and that’s the point, right moms? (If your nail is still missing, Carrie, you can buy one here for just $4.99!)

Advent Activities #adventactivity

Finding Treasure (Age to start: older preschool)

Supplies (per kid):

Tin can painted/covered in black (“Can of Darkness”)

Small treasure boxes (example: shoe box with Dollar Store prizes)

Flash light (“The Light of Christ”)

Instructions: At night, hide treasure boxes in the house. Turn off all the lights. Hand kids the “can of darkness.” Tell them to use the can to find the treasure. When they can’t (because all the lights are off and the dark can doesn’t help you see in the dark), hand them each a flashlight which will help them see in the dark to find the treasure. Moral: Darkness doesn’t take you to the treasures of heaven, only the light of Christ does.

When I was growing up, there were a lot of years that my mom and I didn’t have extra money at Christmas time. Being a savvy single mom, she incorporated some traditions that were easy on the wallet.

Epiphany Gifts: One year she told me we were exchanging gifts on Epiphany (Jan 6, also called Three Kings Day) because that’s when the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus. Turns out her actual motivation was hitting After-Christmas Sales!

Santa Brings the Christmas Tree: When my mom was growing up with 8 siblings, they were also tight on money. Their tradition was that Santa brought the Christmas Tree, which meant my Grandpa could get one on sale on Christmas Eve! He and my Grandma must have stayed up all night decorating it!

So what are your favorite Christmas traditions? Which ones have you tried with your littles this year? Did you have a #everydaytradition that turned into a #traditionfail sometime around December 7? Or December 2? Share with us on Facebook in The Ridge MOPS private Facebook group using the above hashtags!

Above all, remember the tradition your kids will cherish the most is a non-stressed mom who rests in the love of Christ knowing the perfect Christmas has already happened. It’s not in the perfect presents, or perfect decorations, or perfect meal. The perfect Christmas already happened when Jesus was born.

Merry Christmas. We’ll see you back on Thursday, January 7, 2016! (Don’t forget to register!!)

Time to think about next year! Prayerfully consider a role serving fellow moms at MOPS as a table leader or steering team member. Here is some more information about what each role involves.

Table Leader

Reads the Mops Handbook to fully understand the scope and vision of the organization’s mission

Attends Table Leader Orientation/Luncheon in the fall before the first meeting in September

Relays information to Table Members via email for the upcoming meetings during the calendar year

Promotes confidentiality and sensitivity within individual groups, recognizing the need to refer to a more experienced person for counseling when appropriate summarizing pertinent information and relaying to the DGL (Discussion Group Leader)

Attends 2 general Table Leader meetings in both the Fall and Spring to offer feedback and awareness of how things are going during the year

Promotes confidentiality and sensitivity within individual groups, recognizing the need to refer to a more experienced person for counseling when appropriate summarizing pertinent information received from each the Steering Team Meeting

Holds 2 general Table Leader meetings in both the Fall and Spring to gain feedback and awareness of how things are going during the year

Guides her team with each bi-monthly, Creative Activity or Service Opportunity selection and preparation for that project

Organizes materials, instructions, demonstrators, and samples of each Creative Activity or Service Opportunity before the MOPS meeting. She plans within the time and budget limits of her group and understands the needed skills for each activity

Researches different charities or organizations where the MOPS group could serve and finds out what projects would benefit the organization

Recognizes women who enjoy Creative Activities and provides opportunities for their growth in a volunteer capacity

Effectively communicates with childhood coordinator for ARBC to see what MOPS group could help prepare for Sunday morning

Appropriately utilizes the ideas and abilities of each team member, wisely delegating responsibility

Teaches skills and activities effectively, inspiring women to develop their skills in creative projects and encouraging women who not feel particularly successful in this area

Reads the MOPS Handbook and Creative Activities Handbook and understand the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Hospitality Team Leader

Utilizing the MOPS yearly theme, she creates centerpieces and other decorations to use for the tables which must remain in tact/usable for the entire calendar year; she also understands and respects budgetary constraints

Communicates with the Creative Activities Leader to create corresponding nametags for the year that coordinate with centerpieces

Creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for each meeting and works with Speaker Coordinator to select appropriate music upon entry

Arranges set-up and takedown at all MOPS meetings and secures team volunteers who can arrive early or stay late to assist in the process

Coordinates with the ARBC church resource to make sure the tables and chairs are set up properly in advance.

Assigns Breakfast Duty – two tables per meeting for breakfast to ensure enough food; passes out sign up sheets to the appropriate tables 2 meetings in advance

Oversees breakfast set up on MOPS meeting mornings and secures volunteers to assist in the process

Keeps track of kitchen supplies (plates, napkins, utensils, coffee condiments, mints, pens and paper pads for tables) and lets the church know if supplies are low

Selects and purchases birthday gifts for all MOPS women for the year, while following budgetary guidelines, including appropriate display and distribution

Communicates with Finance Leader in keeping the birthday list current

Gathers creative Early Bird prizes to be valued at $50 or more from Steering Team for the raffle

Sends Early Bird prize information to Publicity coordinator a week in advance for newsletter

Hands out Early Bird prize Tickets from 9:00-9:30am in the Lobby and greet moms as they come in the door to make each woman feel welcome; she announces and hands out the prize to the winner at the end of the meeting

Enlists an additional Steering Team Member to help greet as moms come in the door for each meeting.

Works with the Discussion Group Leader as she will provide new baby information; orders monogrammed burp cloths for new babies and hands out wrapped gift during meeting.

Asks for New Pregnancy & Adoption Announcements at each meeting and hands out chosen baby gift.

Relays New Baby information to Georgi in the Quilt Ministry of ARBC throughout year

Purchases flowers and balloons to pass out at the graduating ceremony for the MOMS and Moppets who will be going into Kindergarten.

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

MOPPETs Coordinator

Works with the Chartering Ministry and Steering Team to establish policies and procedures for the MOPPETS program

Communicates with MOPS moms who leave their children in her care

Selects appropriate curriculum materials and develops programs and lessons for each class

Reads the MOPS Handbook and the MOPPETS Handbook, and understands the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group

Disciples her team members and encourages each member to grow in her relationship to Christ

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Publicity Team Leader

Constructs bi-monthly newsletter for each MOPS meeting

Inputs information gathered at Steering Team meetings for newsletter

Locates and inserts a “main topic story” for 1st page of newsletter

Creates graphics that correspond to each newsletter item

Corresponds with each Steering Team member during meeting week to update/add/delete any info prior to print

Make copies of newsletter at the church (usually on Wednesday-the day prior to meetings) and any handouts that the Speaker Coordinator needs printed

Creates calendar for the 1st meeting of each month detailing the events/classes/holidays/etc. around the Austin area

Researches all entries by viewing several different websites and then verifies each

Prints Calendar alongside newsletter

Designs and uses creativity in integrating other publicity-type deliverables, including, but not limited to: posters, flyers and other handouts

Works closely with Website/Blog Team Leader to make sure information is consistently delivered

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Website/Blog Team Leader

Manages and updates www.theridgemops.org including annual server fees and keeping the site current

Has an understanding of basic web site design and/or works with a volunteer to maintain information

Works with Registrar (i.e. Co-Coordinator) to create a secure, online way to register for each semester

Creates vision for and effectively executes a new blog spot through word press and connects it to the MOPS web site

Photographs each meeting and or films speakers if permission is secured to do so

Creates a form that grants MOPS leadership permission from each member to display photos or taped meeting segments for MOPS usage

Writes Bi-Monthly Blogs to encourage those who missed meetings and create a place where leadership can gain instant feedback from slated speakers with interactive dialogue

Works closely with Publicity Team Leader to make sure information is consistently delivered.

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Fundraising Team Leader

Orchestrates one or two fundraising events per semester

Fosters new ideas or effectively reinvents events that have been successful in the past

Effectively assists in generating income through events in order help ARBC off set the cost of childcare

Expresses ideas and has the ability to form committees to help implement ideas and details

Regularly communicates with Finance Team Leader to make sure monies are accounted for

Delegates tasks and enjoys working with others

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Finance Team Leader

Manages the group’s finances and budget as well as completing fall and spring registration*.

Helps set a budget for the MOPS year based on known costs, anticipated expenditures, and expected income.

Deposits money, makes payments when necessary, keeps accurate records, and assists her team with fundraising.

Educates Steering Team members in the reimbursement process and assists them if needed; checks records with those counterparts of ARBC each month to eliminate any errors in record keeping

Reports throughout the year to the Steering Team on the financial status of the group to help keep everyone informed on the various surpluses or shortages that might exist

Encourages the other Team Leaders to be accountable in spending for their area

Initiates the transfer of funds from the MOPS account to ARBC at year’s end

Shows sensitivity to the financial needs of each MOPS mom, warmly setting a welcome tone and being on the lookout for those that might need financial help

Explores the possibility of scholarships for women who might otherwise not be able to attend

Seeks to meet all financial obligations to MOPS International, including charter renewal and MOPS International membership registrations

May Identify and help with Fundraising when necessary

Reads the MOPS Handbook and Finance Handbook and understand the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group.

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Speaker Coordinator

Fully understands “the pulse” of the ARBC MOPS group and effectively communicates its vision with potential speakers

Identifies and secures speakers for each semester during the summer months prior to the MOPS calendar year

Organizes a spreadsheet designating those speakers/ dates and points of contact

Communicates with each speaker utilizing the suggested time line for efficiency including the standard Introductory letter and MOPS guide

Keeps Steering Team of any pertinent changes to the schedule or needs the Speaker has

Attends technical training and understands how to run sound and basic visual aids for each presenter

Secures handouts, audio –visual needs, and discussion group questions from each speaker at last two weeks prior to each event

Assists each speaker in clearly understanding the MOPS vision and local audience at ARBC and purpose for their visit

Confidently introduces each speaker and closes each session with acknowledgement and a word of thanks and a simply gift

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Co-Coordinator /Membership Team Leader

Seeks to fully understand the roles of each Steering Team member in preparation for Coordinator Position

Serves as the Coordinator’s chief support

Considers herself a “Floater” to assist any Steering Team member in a time of need

Willingly steps into any designated position if any Steering Team member must leave their role in a given calendar year

Serves as Membership for the year including the following:

Edits and prints brochures over the summer; organizes mailing addresses and sends out brochures and emails for registration

Collects incoming registrations and build a database with registrant’s info

Keeps up with incoming email inquiries regarding registration

Keep in close contact with the MOPPETS coordinator, sending her names and info of MOPPETS and keeping tabs on which age group classes might be closed (which affects some moms inquiring about registration)

Brings all necessary lists, index cards, bags for slotting meeting to set tables

Organizes necessary lists and name tags for the first MOPS meeting as well as sits at front to register moms the first day

Is responsible for lists throughout the year (that constantly change and need updating) for tables, registrant info, birthdays, pregnancies, etc.

Keeps up with the MOPS email account, and maintains a record of those requesting information so we can get them on our registration email list for the next semester

Works alongside Website/Blog Team Leader to manage registrations

Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Coordinator

Encourages other members of Steering in their responsibilities, delegating appropriately, and assisting as needed

Sets the tone for the MOPS meetings, often by welcoming moms, sharing announcements, and handling other organizational needs

Disciples the Steering Team, encouraging each member to grow in her relationship with Christ

Leads Steering meetings, preparing an agenda that encourages the contribution of every Steering Team member

Identifies training needs for Steering Team members and finds opportunities to meet these needs

Serves as the liaison between MOPS International, the Chartering Ministry, and the MOPS group

Reads the MOPS Handbook, the Coordinator’s Handbook, and the other Positional Handbooks, and understands the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group and the Chartering Ministry

Debbie Cannon sent this idea to me and said that her neighborhood does this sweet little “BOO” tradition. I thought it was a neat idea and a way to get kids excited about blessing another family as a kick off to the holiday season! The instructions are below. I must give the blog www.skiptomylou.org the credit for this one. The blog has some great creative family ideas worth checkin out!

I’m not sure I can take on getting my whole neighborhood on board with this…at least not this year.

BUT…I do know of a few families on our street who need a little cheer up! I think at the very least…this could be a new Halloween family tradition. We will be preparing a little treat, a kind note and some home made goodies for two families. Then, pray for them before dropping off the loot.

I’m interested to know….any other mom’s have some Halloween traditions that incorporates their faith?

How to BOO!

Here you go, a free printable how to boo! We love to boo! Each year we come up with a new way to go booing. This year we will use this simple boo sign complete with instructions and gift tags.

First make two copies of the booing instructions. We copied ours on cardstock. Once you have your copies, cut apart the ghost and hang on your window so everyone knows you have already been booed.
Gather some fun treats for two friends, anything will do. It might be a basket or bag filled with activities ( pumpkin carving items, stickers, small game, Halloween decorations etc). The dollar store can be a great place to find things. A plate of homemade goodies is another nice gift. Cut out and attach the gift tags.
Now you are ready to sneak over to your friend’s door and ding the doorbell and dash– before anyone sees!
Let the booing begin!
You might be interested in these booing ideas:How to start the “Boo” in your neighborhoodPrintable Ghost Door Hanger for “Booing”Printable “Booing” Poem

We would love to hear your comments on great vacation ideas and tips from your family!

Phyllis organized her trips into 3 categories:

time with a “favorite”

time with friends

time with family-she color-coded everything
accordingly…spouse-red for love, friends-blue, “true blue” and
green for family- b/c their family trips were mostly outdoors:) She put
stickers on the map with each color to represent which trips she took.

She encouraged us to make a trip diary-write it down! Take pictures and write the
funny things that happen, what people said, what restaurants were there,
prices, etc.

#1Get Away Trip (Spouses)

relax

experience new places

savor time alone

They go on an anniversary trip every year on the anniversary-no present, just a
trip! (doesn’t have to be far, can spend the night in a hotel in same city)
NEVER let kids go and stay at a bed and breakfast

She encouraged us to go for an “event”-balloon festival, college football games,
etc. (ex… they took a TEXAS “European” adventure and stayed in all
Tx cities, Rome, Paris, Italy and took a pic at every city limit sign

After a child’s wedding, parents need a honeymoon trip!

#2True Blue (friend trips)

-her first rule is to turn the clock around, if you don’t know what time it is, you
won’t be tired!!

-take a trip, even if it is just for 24 hours-you can make it to Houston, Dallas,
Canton, etc.

-scrapbook all of the activities

-trade houses

-milestone birthdays-get everyone together

When Phyliss’s mother in law turned 75, all the women in the family gathered for a
“retreat”-she bought a little book and sent it around ahead of time
so that everyone could write on a page and they could present it to her on the
vacation

-she also gave an example of friends who went as couples on a cruise-they could go and do
their own excursions during the day but would all get together in evening, talk
at dinner about what they did

-GUYS trip, skiing, hunting, 40th bday suprise trip, play golf-encourage them to get
together too!

-Women- book a trip with sisters, daughters in law-their moms

-go to all children’s friends weddings-make a trip out of it!

#3 Family Trips

they considered it a success if the boys were happy-gave them a say in the
planning…